The VA decision review system created by the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA) has been in place for nearly 5 years. Over that time, NVLSP has gained key insight on how to successfully navigate this modernized system to ensure that veterans are awarded the VA benefits to which they are entitled as quickly as possible. This webinar will provide useful information for both new veterans service officers who need to learn the basics of the modernized system and experienced service officers looking for strategies on how to best challenge adverse VA decisions. We will cover the following and more:

• How to determine whether a claim is subject to the modernized/AMA review system or the old legacy appeal process
• Detailed information about the options for challenging the VA’s denial of a claim—supplemental claim, higher-level review, and appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, including the three different lanes available at the Board
• The pros and cons of each review option
• Advice for choosing the best review option to challenge the VA’s denial of a claim based on the facts of the case
• How to use the inapplicability of the duty to assist at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to a claimant’s advantage
• How to avoid a trap set by the VA on claims for an increased disability rating
• How to use the VA’s Claims Accuracy Request process to quickly fix significantly flawed rating decisions
• How an intent to file may be used to preserve the effective date of a supplemental claim or extend the period for continuously pursuing a claim